A new separated bike lane has popped up on Davey Street as part of the Macquarie and Davey Streets Bus Improvements Project.
The 200-metre lane stretches between Sandy Bay Road and Linden Avenue, featuring two bicycle waiting boxes at intersections and a hook-turn box at Byron Street.
While Bicycle Network Tasmania had previously advocated for a longer bike lane extending back to Murray Street, they acknowledge the current upgrade is a “building block” for future upgrades.
“While making more space for cycling is always welcomed, the designs show that much more could be provided to help make riding more comfortable along this stretch of road,” a Bicycle Network spokesperson said in 2021.
“One block of bike lane on an uphill section can be useful but as the lead-up to the lane and the block beyond the lane is a hostile environment for bike riding it makes sense to extend the lane from Murray to Molle streets.”
State Growth’s consultation findings from over two years ago also indicated that many cyclists felt the proposed climbing bike lane “was not enough to encourage cyclists to use the lane”.
“The primary focus for both Macquarie and Davey Streets is car and transit movement, as these are key arterial routes,” the 2022 document reads.
“We are working with City of Hobart to develop a plan for the road network in the city and will look at how to improve cycling access and facilities to ensure safety and connectivity.”
“This work looks to prioritise cycling movements on nearby streets that connect to existing cycle ways such as Collins Street and Sandy Bay Road.”
The project was undertaken by State Growth and follows recent bike lane installations by the Hobart City Council across the Hobart CBD.
Installation of the Davey Street lane required the removal of several parking spaces and a bus stop used by Metro passengers.
